Workstudy in Malaysia

5 Steps to Work and Study in Malaysia

Students engaging in international studies often like to have a part time job on the side in order to help fund their day-to-day activities or add to their resume. Especially in countries with a high cost of living, such as the US, UK, and Australia, having something on the side can be incredibly important. In a country like Malaysia, however, it might be a different story.

Working part-time while studying in Malaysia is relatively difficult for international students. With a variety of laws limiting where you can work, what roles you can fill, and how often you can be at your job, many students conclude that it is not worth their time. The good news is, the cost of living is so low in Malaysia that it’s often not necessary, especially if you have a little money saved up before you go.

Part-time employment in Malaysia can certainly be achieved – and if you’re determined to make it happen, here are the steps you need to take:

Step 1: Gain admittance to a University

Before applying for a job or even reaching out to a company, it would be beneficial to learn where you’ll be studying first. This also allows you to obtain a student visa, which is required for full-time students looking to work part-time during their study period in Malaysia. Admittance to a university comes before a student visa can be obtained, as part of the application process requires proof of acceptance to a Malaysian university.

To learn more about getting a student visa and for assistance with applying to universities in Malaysia, companies like YesAtlas are incredibly helpful for students new to the international study process.

Step 2: Find an employer

Before worrying about the legal process of getting permission to work in Malaysia, it is important for students to find a job that is willing to write them an offer letter, which will be submitted when applying for permission to be employed (see below). The letter should contain complete details of the company, such as the address and contact number.

Step 3: Get to Malaysia

Unlike many other international destinations, students looking to work in Malaysia need to be present during the process of applying for permission to work in the country.

Step 4: Complete the Application for Permission to Work

The application must be forwarded to the Immigration Department Headquarters in Malaysia by a representative of the education institute in which the student is enrolled. After this, the international student has to appear for an interview. Then, the application can either be approved or declined. If the application is approved, the passport of the student will be endorsed to reflect the change.

Step 5: Start working!

For students looking for a part-time job in Malaysia, it is important to note that the wages earned will not be enough to cover courses and tuition fees. However, they can help with personal, day-to-day expenses. Regardless, it never hurts to have work experience in an international setting or a little extra cash in your pocket!

Note: See below for details surrounding rules and guidelines for international work

International students studying in Malaysia are allowed to work part time with the following conditions:

Maximum 20 hours of work per week.

Students can only work during holiday breaks of more than 7 days.

Students are allowed to work in mini markets, restaurants and cafes, hotels and petrol stations but not as a cashier, singer, masseur, musician, GRO, and/or other work seen as morally wrong.

Request to work must be made through the private institution or university you are studying.